Job Roles FeatureWeb Services Engineers: From Mavericks to MainstreamAlbion M. Butters, Ph.D. Much of the chatter in the development community in the past few years has centered around the potential of Web services in IT environments. With skilled Web services engineers turning to new standards such as Representational State Transfer (REST), that potential might become reality very soon.

Techniques FeatureStudy Buddies: Maximize Learning with the Right ToolsMatt McGrath The old saying “Two heads are better than one” is often applicable when preparing to take a certification exam. You might want to tap a friend or two to help you out before attempting a challenging test. What qualities should you look for in a study buddy?

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Tech CareersOvercoming Roadblocks to Job Search SuccessKatherine Spencer Lee You might hear news that the job market for IT professionals is strong. Depending on your professional background, however, the reality might seem different. For instance, you might have many years of experience in the IT field, but the majority of job postings you’ve come across are suitable for only junior-level applicants. Or perhaps you have broad technical skills, but firms in your area seek specialized expertise. How can you overcome roadblocks such as these and find a job?

Consultant’s CornerOn the Road Again: Dealing with ClientsDavid Garrett There are, by and large, two types of consultants: those who live on the road, and those who don’t. if your consulting practice gives you an intimate knowledge of the interstate, or if you spend more time in airports than pilots do, what follows will save you time.

</EndTag>Dealing with BurnoutBrian Summerfield Life moves incredibly fast, and it seems that we can get overwhelmed with all the “getting and spending” we do on a daily basis. This, of course, quickly can lead to burnout, not just because of the sheer amount of tasks being performed but also because a constant, tunnel-vision focus on your professional life can severely tax the brain and spirit.